When it comes to relationships, there are certain things that most people would consider cheating such as having a physical or emotional affair with someone else.

However, according to experts in the field of relationships, there are other behaviors that can indicate cheating even if they don’t involve another person. Here are some things that experts say can be considered cheating on your partner:.

1. Lying about something significant

When it comes to communication in a relationship, honesty is crucial. Experts say that lying about something significant can be considered a form of cheating.

Lying about things like finances, career, family, or past relationships can negatively impact the trust in a relationship and cause long-term damage.

2. Hiding personal information or activities

In a healthy relationship, partners should feel comfortable being open and honest with each other about their personal lives.

Hiding personal information or activities from your partner, such as deleting text messages or social media accounts, can be considered cheating. It’s important to be open and transparent in your relationship, even when it’s difficult.

3. Withholding intimacy

Intimacy is an important part of a healthy relationship. Withholding intimacy can not only cause emotional damage, but it can also be considered a form of cheating.

Experts say that denying your partner physical affection or intimacy can indicate a lack of commitment and can breed resentment in a relationship.

4. Refusing to work on the relationship

Relationships require effort and work to maintain. If one partner is unwilling to commit to the work needed to keep the relationship healthy, it can be considered cheating.

Experts say that refusing to work on the relationship can indicate a lack of investment in the partnership and can damage the trust and love that should be present in a healthy relationship.

5. Putting others first

While it’s important to have a satisfying social life outside of your relationship, putting other people before your partner can be considered cheating.

If you consistently prioritize friends, family, or work colleagues over your partner, it can signal a lack of respect for their needs and ultimately undermine the relationship.

6. Keeping secrets from your partner

Secrets can be dangerous in a relationship. If you are intentionally keeping secrets from your partner, it can be a form of cheating.

Keeping secrets about things like money, personal habits, or even your feelings can negatively impact the trust and intimacy in a relationship.

7. Engaging in addictive behaviors

Addictive behaviors can damage relationships by causing emotional distance, mistrust, and even financial ruin. If you are engaging in addictive behaviors such as substance abuse or gambling, it can be considered cheating on your partner.

These behaviors can deteriorate your relationship and lead to long-lasting consequences.

8. Refusing to apologize or make amends

Apologizing and making amends is key to maintaining healthy relationships. Refusing to apologize or make amends for wrongdoings can be considered a form of cheating. It can demonstrate a lack of empathy and create a rift in the relationship.

9. Neglecting your partner emotionally

If you are neglecting your partner emotionally, it can be considered cheating. Neglecting your partner’s emotional needs can lead to feelings of loneliness and distance, which can ultimately undermine the relationship.

It’s important to be present for your partner and meet their emotional needs.

10. Engaging in inappropriate behaviors online

In today’s digital age, many people spend significant amounts of time online. If you are engaging in inappropriate behaviors online such as sexting, cybersex, or online dating, it can be considered cheating.

These behaviors can undermine the trust and intimacy in a relationship and damage the overall health of the partnership.